10/08/2026
It was always destined for massive growth after the past committee and organisers were moved on.
Congratulations Mark Thompson,Marcus Curr and the rest of the awesome committee who have gone above and beyond to ensure this iconic event thrives for years to come.
Well done all involved.
Gill Bros Rodeo 🇦🇺
Mount Isa has again turned into the centre of Australian rodeo, with the 67th Mount Isa Mines Rodeo drawing one of its biggest and most diverse competitive fields yet.
As reported by The National Tribune, almost 800 competitor starts were registered for the 2026 event at Buchanan Park and Kalkadoon Arena, with riders arriving from every mainland state, Tasmania and New Zealand.
The numbers also show how quickly participation is broadening. Organisers recorded 200 female competition starts and 240 junior starts, including riders as young as six. The inaugural Ladies Bronc Series also made its debut, giving female bronc riders a dedicated competition at Mount Isa.
This year's field was chasing the richest prize purse in the rodeo's 67-year history, while thousands of spectators travelled to northwest Queensland for the three-day event from August 7 to 9.
Beyond the main competition, the program included the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, with former NRL player Sam Thaiday returning as ambassador. Kalkadoon musician William Barton was also scheduled to perform around Sunday's Indigenous championships.
The event produced strong demand away from the arena too. The Cowgirls in the Capital Cocktail Brunch sold out in just one hour.
Among the younger riders was 13-year-old Lareece Daley-Kennedy, who is heading to youth roughstock finals in Oklahoma and Texas later this month. Mount Isa Rodeo contributed $10,000 toward her trip.
After a strong comeback in 2025, Mount Isa has followed it with another huge weekend, reinforcing the rodeo's place among Australia's biggest outback sporting events and a major regional draw.
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